Summary
Kenneth O. Gangel’s volume on Joshua in the Holman Old Testament Commentary series is designed for pastors, teachers, and small-group leaders who want clear exposition married to practical application. This is a warm, approachable, and pastorally oriented commentary that aims to help readers understand the message of Joshua and apply it faithfully to the life of the church.
The commentary offers a blend of concise explanation, thematic summaries, teaching outlines, and practical insights. It does not attempt to compete with academic or technical works; rather, it serves those who want reliable, evangelical interpretation presented in a straightforward and accessible form.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We appreciate Gangel’s clarity and pastoral instinct. He consistently draws out the theological heart of the text—God’s faithfulness, covenant obedience, the gift of the land, and the call to courageous trust—without getting bogged down in speculative debates. The layout, structure, and accessible prose make this especially useful for weekly ministry rhythms.
For preachers, the outlines and teaching suggestions provide a helpful scaffolding for sermon development. The practical insights are consistently encouraging, and the commentary maintains a strong commitment to evangelical orthodoxy. This makes it a dependable companion for those guiding congregations through Joshua’s rich narrative of promise and fulfilment.
While it does not offer deep engagement with Hebrew or technical questions, it excels in what it intends to be: a clear, dependable, and pastorally sensitive aid for teaching and discipleship. When paired with a more robust exegetical volume, it becomes even more valuable.
Closing Recommendation
We gladly recommend this commentary to pastors, Bible study leaders, and Christians who desire a readable and practical guide to the book of Joshua. It is not the only volume you will need, but it is one that will serve you well in the life of the church.
For accessible exposition rooted in a broadly evangelical framework, Gangel’s contribution is a strong and trustworthy choice.
Kenneth O. Gangel
Kenneth O. Gangel (1935–2009) was an American evangelical scholar of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, rooted in the conservative Protestant tradition and committed to equipping the church through sound biblical teaching.
Dr Gangel’s core contribution lies in his extensive work in Christian education and biblical exposition. He served for decades in higher education—among others at Dallas Theological Seminary and Toccoa Falls College—and authored or edited dozens of books and articles. His commentary on the book of Joshua in the Holman Old Testament Commentary series exemplifies his commitment to bridging Scripture, church teaching and classroom insight. His background in educational leadership and pastoral ministry lent his writing a practical orientation grounded in Scripture.
What continues to make Gangel’s writing valued today is his clarity of thought, pastoral warmth and unwavering faithfulness to the biblical text. He writes with an accessibility that aids both church teachers and serious students, while maintaining theological integrity and evangelical conviction. His work helps the reader move confidently from ancient text to contemporary application without sacrificing fidelity to God’s Word.
Recommended titles: Joshua (Holman Old Testament Commentary), Christian Education: Its History and Philosophy, and Genesis (Holman Old Testament Commentary).